About Panama

Our LCMS Missionaries in Panama

Mission work began in Panama in 1941 among the English-speaking community of the Panama Canal. Most of the efforts during those early years were directed toward military personnel and US expatriates working in the Canal Zone. Through the efforts of a number of the early Lutheran chaplains and pastors, a church and service center was built in the Canal Zone. Redeemer Lutheran Church was dedicated in Balboa, Panama in November, 1948.

However, it was not until 1980 that LCMS World Mission called a missionary to serve the Spanish-speaking people of Panama. In the years since this initial outreach effort to Panamanians, 7 congregations have been formed with a membership of about 300.

The current LCMS Panama mission team consists of two career missionaries: Rev. Henry and Ruthie Witte (Missionary Counselor and Church Planting) and Arthur and Eva Rickman (Vicar and Deaconess). In addition, there are three volunteer missionaries: Thomas and Jaime Brinkmann (Volunteer Coordinators and Youth Coordinator) and Christy Lefold (EFL Teacher).

Their mission is to bring the message of Christ's love and salvation to the people of Panama through planting churches and training leaders; and to encourage the active involvement of God's people in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Panama (IELPA) and its member congregations. Our missionaries are also committed to implementing a special services ministry program that links resources in the USA with identified needs in Panama. It is in conjunction with this ministry program that groups such as yours are furthering God's work in Panama.

Panama: The Country

Introduction

Panama, about the size of South Carolina, stands out in Central America as the country in the region with the highest per capita income, foreign investments, and most highly developed infrastructure. Over 90 percent of its 3 million inhabitants are literate and most have access to potable water.

It is, however, a country of extreme contrasts. The shimmering office buildings and banks of Panama City face squalid slums. Looking out from the penthouses of these skyscrapers, it is evident where the concrete and electric wires stop and the dense tropical rain forests begin. Over 50 percent of the country's population lives in the Panama City-Colon corridor that parallels the Panama Canal. Reaching southeast toward South America is the long strip of fain forest and swamp known as the Darien Gap. Like most of the country's Caribbean seaboard, except for the city of Colon and United Fruit's banana plantations in the Bocas del Toro region, the Darien Gap is largely roadless and sparsely inhabited - though rapidly becoming deforested and colonized.

Some say that the name Panama comes from an Indian phrase panna mai. When Spanish soldiers asked the Indians where they could find gold, they replied panna mai - which means far away.

Located in the humid torrid zone, Panama has a uniformly hot and humid climate, somewhat relieved at night by cool sea air. The rainy season runs from Mid-April to December. Over 500 waterways cross Panama, but only two are navigable.

Nationalism has been a constant feature of Panamanian society since independence from Columbia in 1903. Panama's motto is "For the benefit of the world" and reflects Panama's strategic position in the world and the service it provides the world through the Panama Canal. Although relations with the United States have been generally good, issues surrounding control of the Canal Zone have been very sensitive. In 1964, 21 Panamanians lost their lives to U.S. bullets as students demonstrated for the right to fly the Panamanian flag at schools in the Canal Zone. At the same time, there is also an identification with all things labeled U.S. - from consumer products and cultural values to language and politics. The Panamanian government has made English the official second language of Panama and requires fluency in English to graduate from university.

Geography

Although it is common to think of Panama as running north to south, it actually runs west to east, in a long S-shape. Panama is 78,046 square kilometers - again, about the size of South Caroline -- and is only 80 kilometers wide at its narrowest part. The Panama Canal runs northwest to southeast and divides the country in half. Colon is the name of the province and the port city on the Caribbean side with Panama province and Panama City on the Pacific side.

There are two mountain chains along the spine of the country, in the east and west sections. The highest point is Volcan Baru at 11,407 ft. Panama also has large, flat coastal lowlands, much of which is covered in banana plantations. Chiriqui Land Company, a subsidiary of Chiquita Brands International Corporation, owns the majority of these. Climate

Panama has two basic seasons, hot & wet and hot & dry. The rainy season is mid-April through December and is considered Panama's winter. It is very humid during this time. January to May is called summer because it is usually clear and sunny. Panama has consistent temperatures in the 90's during the day and 70's at night, with varying degrees of humidity, depending on the season. The Caribbean, or northern side of Panama, receives more rain than the Pacific side, where it typically rains only during the winter. The cooler temperatures of the mountains can be a refreshing change to the warmer coasts.

Government

Panama is governed by a constitutional democracy. It has a president elected by popular vote every five years. Two elected vice presidents and an appointed cabinet assist the president. The country is divided into nine provinces. Each province has a governor appointed by the president. The nation's capital is Panama City.

Economy

Half of Panama's households are considered below the poverty level, according to the World Bank. The current unemployment rate is 14%. There is a huge disparity between the rich and poor, which can be seen vividly in Panama City. The City is home to an impressive financial district but also has its share of slum areas. The Panama Canal provides the major source of revenue for the country. Finance and real estate make up 15% of the GNP. The principle crops are bananas, plantains, sugarcane, rice, maize, coffee and tobacco. Bananas make up 40% of Panama's exports.

Population and People

Panama has over three million people. The official language is Spanish, but English is now the official second language. Many from the West Indies speak Creole English. The majority of the population (65%) is Mestizos, a mix of indigenous and Spanish decent. Blacks, who are mostly descendants of English-speaking West Indians, make up 14%.Whites are 10% of the population and indigenous Indians make up another 10%. There are only seven remaining Indian tribes in Panama: The Kuna, the Guaymis, the Embera, the Wounaan, the Bokata, the Bribri and the Teribe. The Kuna are the most politically organized and govern their ancestral territory as the autonomous region of the Comarca de San Blas, on the Caribbean side.

The majority of the population - 85% -- is Roman Catholic and 10% belong to other Christian denominations. A small minority - about 5% -- are Muslim. Panama has complete freedom of worship, along with separation of church and state, even though the Roman Catholic Church is very influential in people's lives.

Panamanians place great emphasis on individuality. All people should be treated with dignity because Panamanians consider all people to be of worth regardless of social status. Males are characterized as being extremely masculine; the macho (ideal man) is a man of action and is forceful, daring and virile. The ideal woman is expected to be well-bred, understanding and feminine. Large urban areas are more cosmopolitan and do not strictly adhere to these traditions. Customs and Courtesies

The most common forms of greeting among friends are a nod and an abrazo (hug). New acquaintances or business associates usually use a handshake. Handshakes are also common among the campesinos (rural farmers) in the areas outside the two largest cities: Panama City and Colon.

Table manners vary, but generally, hands should be kept above the table. Pleasant conversation usually accompanies meals. A 10% tip is customary in restaurants; service is not included in the bill.

Eye contact is important in conversation and it is important to cover the mouth when yawning. Many gestures common in the U.S. are also found in Panama.

Lifestyle

In Panamanian families, the mother takes the main responsibility for the home. The father's responsibilities are usually outside the home. However, he is still considered the undisputed leader of the family. The family is the basic unit of society, but due to the changing tempo of life, the nuclear family is gaining prominence over the extended family. Common-law marriages are prevalent. This accounts for much of the large number of out-of-wedlock births in Panama. Families in urban areas often live in rented apartments, but rural families may own a small home.

Group dating begins around age fourteen for most girls in urban areas. However, girls in the interior are often older before they date and subject to more parental restrictions. Boys have nearly complete freedom in most areas. This includes little supervision outside of school and no domestic responsibilities. In the interior, common-law marriages are generally as well-accepted and stable as legal marriages. Couples desiring a church marriage must first be married by the state and then have a church ceremony.

The Panamanian diet consists of kidney beans, rice, plantains (a starchy green banana that must be cooked), corn, and a small amount of fish, beef, chicken or pork. Omelettes and tortillas are popular national foods. Tropical fruits are common. In addition, Spanish, Latin American, and some Oriental foods are eaten.

Over 25% of the work force is female. Almost 30% of all employment is related to agriculture. Business begins early at 7:00 am and ends between 3:30 and 6:00 pm. Many stores are open until 8:00 pm and during holidays may be open until 9:00 or 10:00 pm. Except for banks and government offices, most businesses are open Saturday until 6:00 pm.

Team sports are a common form of recreation in the urban areas, with soccer and baseball being especially popular. Other activities include horse races, cock fights, going to the movies, and the national lottery.

History

Panama's strategic location between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans has greatly affected its history. Rodrigo de Bastidas, a Spanish explorer, visited Panama in 1501 and found the Cuevas and Cocle cultures. Unfortunately, these indigenous peoples were decimated by disease brought over by the settlers from Spain. Columbus claimed the area for Spain in 1502.

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Panama served as the route for shipping Inca treasures to Spain. Spanish rule was overthrown and Panama became a province of Columbia in 1827. France attempted to build a canal across the narrow isthmus, but yellow fever claimed over twenty thousand lives. Unable to finish the project, France sold the canal rights to the United States.

Panama declared its independence from Columbia on November 3, 1903 - with the United States sending troops to support the new Panamanian government. Construction of the Panama Canal resumed in 1907 under U.S. supervision. The canal was completed in 1914, becoming an important passage for ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The United States controlled the canal, and U.S. citizens provided much of the work force. In 1978, a treaty calling for the return of the canal to Panama was signed by President Jimmy Carter and ratified by the United States Senate.

Omar Torrijos Harare, commander of the national guard, seized control of Panama in 1968. In 1978, he relinquished power to the newly elected Aristedes Royo. The first popular election in twelve years took place in 1980, when a multi-party vote was held for seats in the legislature. In 1982, Royo resigned his office and Ricardo de la Espriella filled the vacancy. He resigned in early 1984. Eric Arturo Delvalle Henriquez became president in 1985, but was ousted by the defense chief, Manuel Antonio Noriega, who had actually controlled the government since 1983.

Noriega's rule was challenged in 1987 - so he suspended the constitution, civil rights, and freedom of the press, ruling under a declared state of emergency. In May, 1989 he refused to let a newly elected government take office. As his rule became more repressive, relations with the United States worsened. A coup against Noriega failed in October, 1989 and Noriega's forces began threatening the security of U.S. interests and citizens of Panama. The United States responded to these threats by invading Panama in December, 1989. Noriega was eventually taken prisoner and the elected government installed. Noriega was extradited to the United States to stand trial for various drug-related charges. The new government began the task of rebuilding the nation.

In September, 1999, Mireya Moscoso took office as Panama's first female president. On January 1, 2000 she was able to return the canal to Panama. In a short ceremony, the United States relinquished control of the Panama Canal - 22 years after its promise to do so.

Panama's economy had several years of recession in the 1980's because of the instability caused by authoritarian rule. Between 1988 and 1990, U.S. sanctions aimed at forcing Noriega from power also damaged the economy. Trade relations and aid from the United States were restored and have helped stimulate economic growth. Panama's largest trading partner is the United States. Key exports include bananas, shrimp, coffee, sugar, and clothing. The operation of the Panama Canal is also vital to Panama's economy because it provides foreign exchange earnings.

Primary education between the ages of seven and fifteen years is compulsory and free. A national university was established in 1935. There is also a Catholic university and other church-owned schools. The literacy rate is 90% -- one of the highest in Latin America. However, people in the rural areas generally have a lower literacy rate than those in the cities because they lack access to facilities.

The highway system is the most important form of transportation in Panama. The highways are generally in good condition. There is a domestic airline, a railroad, and some travel on shallow waterways. The Inter-American Highway runs to Panama City. The Trans-Isthmian Highway connects Panama City and Colon. Revenues from the national lottery help build and maintain roads. Buses, mini-buses (chibas), and taxis are readily available in the cities. The majority do not own cars. In the interior, centrally located public telephones are available, but most phones owned by people are in the urban areas. Communication facilities are well-developed.

Most people have access to modern medical care of some kind, although the best medical facilities and personnel are located in Panama City and Colon. Panama's public health program is part of the overall national security system. It provides such services as free examinations, care for the needy, and intensified health education and sanitation programs. Malaria and yellow fever are active in the eastern rain forest regions near Columbia, but not a problem in the urban areas.